Kalistani Major History

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Chancellor Wilkes addresses New Liberal Party in Kalistan
"Not sure what they are even talking about," said Wilkes
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 14, 5514


Chancellor of the Empire Wilkes, Right, discusses radical charges made by leaders of New opposition Party

Chancellor of the Empire, Lord Stephen Wilkes Count Vrassa was invited to Vrassa University in Vrassa City to discuss the implications of the rise of a new Political Party in Kalistan. The occasion was a Q&A following a lecture on the importance of conserving the institutions of Kalistan. "Well," said Chancellor Wilkes, "What would you have me say? Of all the Parties in Kalistan, Renew is one of them." While the remarks drew nervous laughter, the Chancellor was pressed to respond in a more satisfying way.

"You want me to say more?" the Chancellor asked rhetorically. "Well, the existence of Renew kind of puts to bed the claim that their leadership makes that there is no democracy in Kalistan." This time, the answer provoked more questions. "They claimed in their founding meeting that the previous election results, where 15 percent of the population turned out to vote, demonstrated that there is a demand for an alternative political force. Maybe there is, but is that Renew? They were on the ballot in all five districts, and yet, I never even heard of their organization until the actual election. Perhaps if they had a record to run on, they would attract more people to the polls. I don't know, but hitting Her Imperial Majesty's government for this is hardly fair. And neither is the characterization of ruling policy as being a balance between liberal and conservative forces. The policy of our government is and has been a reflection of the will of our Empress. The very idea that liberals can or should make policy in this Empire is quite a radical demand in and of itself!"

Chancellor Wilkes continued. "But I read also that one of their Candidates from Odufaray said 'this is no longer a republic.' Yes that is correct. Kalistan is an Empire and an absolute monarchy. It hasn't been a republic for more than fifty years. I am not sure where members of ReNew grew up, but if they don't even know this very simple fact of basic Kalistani Civics, I am not sure how they even found their way to the National Assembly to place a bill on the floor for us to vote on, let alone expect us to support it."

The Chancellor went on to discuss Renew's accusations that the Dual System doesn't allow the Kalistani Economy to stay afloat, with the comment, "Look. I just can't even dignify this. Kalistan is a growing economy, one of the most important economies in the region. It is the center of a strong free trade network which stretches across several continents. We have even made changes in the economy to increase the openness to foreign investment, both from and to Kaliatan. This Party is absolutely out of touch with both reality in Kalistan, as well as our History, and its really unfortunate that this is the best the opposition can organize."

The Chancellor then apologized for turning the entire Q&A into a response to an article in the Paper. "Look: If Renew is really planning to work for Kalistanis rather than simply seeking to destroy, Her Imperial Majesty would like to work with them. If they have solid, credible proposals for reform, she would consider entertaining them. And if she believes that they will help Kalistan, her Government will enact them in the National Assembly." While holding out the olive branch, the Chancellor was also careful to add caveats: "But if the proposals touch the Monarchy as an institution, or undermine economic stability in Kalistan by introducing the uncertainty of markets, or reduce the ability of Kalistan to defend itself from foreign threats, the Empress has made it very clear to me, that this is to be prevented in our National Assembly. Her Imperial Majesty is tolerant, but only just so. And she certainly made it clear that Revolution will not be countenanced in Kalistan. We have worked too hard to build a bulwark against the menace of radical change that other countries are plagued by, and will not accept the return of republicanism. Certainly not in the National Assembly."

When asked if the Institutionalists would welcome the incorporation of Renew into the Governing Institutionalist Party, Chancellor Wilkes said "Absolutely. We have long had factions, even some with deep disagreements in the Party. There are a few pillars we are committed to, namely the maintenance of the Crown as an antidote to political turmoil, and continuation of Kalistan's institutions. But there is room for disagreement under that rubric, and I for one would welcome a discussion along those lines, if Renew had any real desire for stability and political reform in Kalistan."

The Chancellor finished his remarks with a question: "Why is it that our Comrades from Renew have made reference to Baltusia at the end of their statement? What does anything they are talking about have to do with Baltusia?" The Chancellor left that question in the air and then moved on to other topics.